System of a Down Unveil First Tour Dates of 2013

System of a Down fans have been patient in recent years, with the group spending a lot of time on hiatus pursuing other musical avenues. Though the band has reunited for a series of shows over the past two years, there has been no talk about future albums or dates … until now. System have revealed their first two performances of 2013, set to take place in August.

The band has signed on to play Sweden's Getaway Rock Festival on Aug. 9 and will also perform at the Frequency Festival in Austria on Aug. 16. Tickets for both events are currently available. At present, it is not known if these shows will lead to an extended run of performances, but the announcement of the two festivals provides a ray of hope.

However, expectations should be tempered as the group's members have other projects in the works for 2013 as well. Singer Serj Tankian released his 'Harakiri' solo album last year and also spent time raising funds to perform his 'Orca' symphony piece. However, at last check he was still composing a score for the 'Morning Star' video game and had music from two side projects -- Fuktronic and Jazziz Christ -- in the works. Meanwhile, the website of guitarist Daron Malakian's Scars on Broadway band teases that a new EP and album are coming soon.

When pressed about new System of a Down music last year, Tankian told Loudwire, "It's a good question and the answer is the same -- we haven't made plans of recording the new record as of yet. When we do, everyone will know. We haven't really discussed another record as of now with any of the guys really. It's just something that when it's the right time, we'll do it."